About Seashore Day Camp

SHORE CHOICE for Camp in Monmouth County

When John Cittadino, a teacher and swim coach in Asbury Park, founded Seashore Day Camp in 1926, he knew children needed a recreational program where they could interact with others during the summer. What he did not know was that he was pioneering an industry that would ultimately benefit hundreds of thousands of children.

Seashore opened as the first day camp in New Jersey and one of the first in the United States with just seven campers, During the past nine and a half decades, the camp has grown into one of the largest in the country. Accommodating hundreds of boys and girls each year. Earning accreditation from the American Camp Association. Setting the standard for what camp should be. And becoming as synonymous with summer as the beach itself.

Seashore is a tradition at the Jersey Shore, where campers make friendships that last a lifetime.

If you mention the camp to your neighbor, pediatrician or anyone, chances do not only do they attend. But so have their children, their parents and, in some cases, their grandparents.

Seashore opened as the first day camp in NJ and one of the first in the USA with just seven campers. During the past nine and a half decades, the camp has grown into one of the largest, in the country!

The camp has won award after award. Recognized for its important contribution to young people, Seashore was voted 2020 MOST LOVED Day Camp. Was voted Best Camp in Monmouth County three times. Won 2011-2019 Asbury Park Press Readers Choice Awards. Received the 2013 Louis. G. Libutti Community Service Award from the Long Branch Chamber of Commerce. Has been named Family Business of the Year. And, even has had a day proclaimed in its honor. According to Long Branch City Officials,  February 12 always will be Seashore Day Camp Day.

More Than 45,000 Campers Say Their Best Summers Were Spent At Seashore

According to Director John Villapiano, a former professional football player and New Jersey State Assemblyman, more than 45,000 young people have spent summers at Seashore. In fact, three-quarters of the staff were once campers themselves.

The Villapiano family became involved in the business when Cittadino retired in 1974 and sold Seashore to the late Augustus (Gus) Villapiano, a 25-year employee. Coach Gus moved the camp to its present headquarters at 345 Second Avenue (a block from the beach in Long Branch).

While Cittadino’s original principles have been the driving force through the decades, under the Villapiano family, Seashore has taken camping beyond the ordinary. Programs are so complete and on the mark, 85 percent of campers return year after year.

And, while others have followed suit since the 1920s and opened throughout the state with their own particular styles, Seashore will always have the distinction of being first and of being the leader that paved the way.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 732-222-6464 TODAY

To learn out more about our programs, find out about our next Open House, meet our staff and tour our campuses, call Admissions at 732-222-6464, visit Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or CLICK HERE.